Generation of delegating implementation for IDL interfaces which use inheritance

ABSTRACT

A method of generating an implementation for an interface definition language interface (IDL), includes identifying parents for an interface; computing a set of directly implemented methods for parent interfaces; generating an implementation of the interface with concrete parent interfaces to generate a plurality of delegation fields; generating initialization and setting method for the delegation fields; and generating indirectly implemented methods with a body that delegates functionality to one of the delegate fields.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Applications developed using distributed objects such as Common ObjectRequest Broker Architecture (CORBA) naturally lend themselves tomulti-tiered architecture, fostering a neat separation of functionality.A three-tiered application has a user interface code tier, a computationcode (or business logic) tier, and a database access tier. Allinteractions between the tiers occur via the interfaces that all CORBAobjects publish. FIG. 1 illustrates the transition from monolithicapplications to multi-tiered, modular applications. A first generationsystem (2) has a graphical user interface (GUI) (8), a business logic(10), and a data store (12) all combined into one monolithicapplication. A next generation system (4) has the GUI (8) and thebusiness logic (10) as one application with an interface to the datastore (12). A latest generation system (6) has three distinct tiers. Afirst tier or user interface (UI) tier (20) includes one or more GUI(8), which interface with one or more service logic (13) in a secondtier or service tier (22). The service logic (13) in the service tier(22) interfaces with other service logic (13), one or more GUI (8), andone or more data sources (14). A third tier or data store tier (24)includes one or more data sources (14), which interface with one or moreservice logic (13).

The UI tier is the layer of user interaction. The focus is on efficientuser interface design and accessibility. The UI tier can reside on auser desktop, on an Intranet, or on the Internet. Multipleimplementations of the UI tier may be deployed accessing the sameserver. The UI tier usually invokes methods on the service tier and,therefore, acts as a client. The service tier is server-based code withwhich client code interacts. The service tier is made up of businessobjects (CORBA objects that perform logical business functions, such asinventory control, budget, sales order, and billing). These objectsusually invoke methods on the data store tier objects. The data storetier is made up of objects that encapsulate database routines andinteract directly with the database management system product orproducts.

CORBA is the standard distributed object architecture developed by anObject Management Group (OMG) consortium. The mission of the OMG is tocreate a specification of architecture for an open software bus, orObject Request Broker (ORB), on which object components written bydifferent vendors can interoperate across networks and operationsystems.

The ORB is middleware that establishes the client-server relationshipsbetween objects by interacting and making requests to differing objects.The ORB sits between distributed (CORBA) objects in the second tier ofthe three tier architecture and operates as a class library enablinglow-level communication between parts (objects) of CORBA applications.Programmers usually write applications logic in CORBA and theapplication logic is then connected to the data store by using someother application, e.g., ODBC, JDBC, proprietary, etc. Usually onlyobjects in the application logic communicate using the ORB. Using theORB, a client transparently invokes a method on a server object, whichcan be on the same machine or across a network. The ORB intercepts acall and is responsible for finding an object that can implement arequest, pass the object a plurality of parameters, invoke the method,and return the results. The client does not have to be aware where theobject is located, the programming language of the object, the operatingsystem of the object, or any other system aspects that are not part ofthe interface of the object. In other words, the application logic canbe run on many hosts in many operating systems and parts of theapplication logic can be written in different computer languages.

The diagram, shown in FIG. 2, shows a method request (30) sent from aclient (32) to an instance of a CORBA object implementation, e.g.,servant (36) (the actual code and data that implements the CORBA object)in a server (34). The client (32) is any code that invokes a method onthe CORBA object. The client (32) of the CORBA object has an objectreference (38) for the object and the client (32) uses this objectreference (38) to issue method request (30). If the server object (36)is remote, the object reference (38) points to a stub function (40),which uses the ORB machinery (42) to forward invocations to the serverobject (36). The stub function (40) encapsulates the actual objectreference (38), providing what seems like a direct interface to theremote object in the local environment. The stub function (40) uses theORB (42) to identify the machine that runs the server object and, inturn, asks for that machine's ORB (44) for a connection to the object'sserver (34). When the stub function (40) has the connection, the stubfunction (40) sends the object reference (38) and parameters to theskeleton code (46) linked to an implementation of a destination object.The skeleton code (46) transforms the object reference (38) andparameters into the required implementation-specific format and callsthe object. Any results or exceptions are returned along the same path.

The client (32) has no knowledge of the location of the CORBA object,implementation details of the CORBA object, or which ORB (44) is used toaccess the CORBA object. A client ORB (42) and a server ORB (44)communicate via the OMG-specified Internet InterORB Protocol (IIOP)(48). The client (32) may only invoke methods that are specified in theinterface of the CORBA object. The interface of the CORBA object isdefined using the OMG Interface Definition Language (IDL). CORBA objectscan be written in any programming language for which there is mappingfrom IDL to that language (e.g., Java™, C++, C, Smalltalk, COBOL, andADA). The IDL defines an object type and specifies a set of namedmethods and parameters, as well as the exception types that thesemethods may return. An IDL compiler translates the CORBA object'sinterface into a specific programming language according to anappropriate OMG language mapping.

Referring to FIG. 2, the stub files (40) and skeleton files (46) aregenerated by an IDL compiler for each object type. Stub files (40)present the client (32) with access to IDL-defined methods in the clientprogramming language. The server skeleton files (46) figuratively gluethe object implementation to the ORB (44) runtime. The ORB (44) uses theskeletons (46) to dispatch methods to the servants (36).

All CORBA objects support an IDL interface. The IDL interface defines anobject type and can inherit from one or more other interfaces. The IDLsyntax is very similar to that of Java™ or C++. The IDL is mapped intoeach programming language to provide access to object interfaces fromthat particular language. Using an IDL compiler of a CORBAimplementation for Java™, the IDL interfaces are translated to Java™constructs according to IDL to Java™ language mapping. For each IDLinterface, IDL compiler generates a Java™ interface, classes, and other“.java” files needed, including the stub files and the skeleton files.

As a general guide, creating a CORBA-based distributed application hasfive steps as shown in FIG. 3. The first step is to define a remoteinterface (Step 50). The interface is defined using the IDL. Also, byusing the IDL, the possibility exists to implement clients and serversin any other CORBA-compliant language. If the client is beingimplemented for an existing CORBA service, or the server for an existingclient, the IDL interfaces come from the implementer, e.g., a serviceprovider or vendor. The IDL compiler is then run over those interfaces.

Referring to FIG. 3, the second step is to compile the remote interface(Step 52). When the IDL compiler is run over the interface definitionfile, the Java™ version of the interface is generated along with classcode files for the stubs and skeletons that enable applications to hookinto the ORB.

The third step is to implement the server (Step 54). Once the IDLcompiler is run, the skeletons generated by the compiler are used to puttogether the server application. In addition to implementing the methodsof the remote interface, the server code includes a mechanism to startthe ORB and wait for invocation from a remote client.

The fourth step is to implement the client (Step 56) as shown in FIG. 3.Similarly to the implementation of the server, the stubs generated bythe IDL compiler are used as the basis of the client application. Theclient code builds on the stubs to start the ORB, obtain a reference forthe remote object, and call the method.

The fifth step is to start the application (Step 58). Once the serverand client have been implemented and the server is started, the clientis run.

In certain circumstances, a form of inheritance or delegation isinvolved in the CORBA-based distributed application development process.Inheritance can take several forms, including single inheritance andmultiple inheritance. Single inheritance is explained by the followingexample. An Object A implements a Method A. If Object B is formed byinheriting from Object A, then Object B inherits all of thefunctionality of Object A such that Object B now implements Method A.Furthermore, the declaration of Object B need not contain any sourcecode related to Method A.

Referring to FIG. 4, in this example of normal single inheritance,interfaces are defined in the IDL (Interface Definition Language) asinterface A (144) and interface B (145). The IDL compiler generatesskeleton classes APOA (142) and BPOA (143). The Implementation Generatorgenerates implementation classes AImpl (140) and BIpml (141). In thisexample, operations operation_A( ) (147) in AImpl (140) and operation_A() (148) and operation_B( ) (149) in BImpl (141) are empty and thedeveloper adds functionality into these methods.

An object has multiple inheritance if the object inherits from more thanone other object. For example, Object A implements Method A and Object Bimplements Method B. Object C can be formed from Object A and Object Bsuch that Object C implements Method A and Method B. Further, thedeclaration of Object C need not contain any code that relates to MethodA or Method B.

Delegation can take several forms, including static delegation andvirtual delegation. With static delegation, methods call a methoddirectly on the object that implements the delegated method directly.For example, an Object C is said to delegate to Objects A and B ifinstead of inheriting from the objects the object uses a actual separateinstances of Objects A and B to perform a method implementation. With,virtual delegation, a method calls a method implemented on the mostderived parent object that implements the delegated method.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, Forte™ for Java™ products (90), formerlycalled NetBeans, are visual programming environments written entirely inJava™. These products are commonly regarded as the leading IntegratedDevelopment Environment (IDE). IDEs are easily customizable andextensible, as well as platform independent. Forte™ for Java™ (90)includes a Form Editor (92), an integrated full-featured text editor(94), a debugger (98), and a compiler (100). Forte™ for Java™ (90) isalso completely modular. Forte™ for Java™ (90) is built around a set ofOpen Application Programming Interface (API's), which allow it to beeasily extensible. This means that the IDE functionality for editing,debugging, GUI generation, etc. is represented in modules that can bedownloaded and updated dynamically as is illustrated in FIG. 5. Insteadof waiting for a completely new release, as soon as new versions (104)or new modules (106) are available, users can update that individualversion or module via the Update Center (102).

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

A method of generating an implementation for an interface definitionlanguage interface (IDL), comprising identifying parents for aninterface; computing a set of directly implemented methods for parentinterfaces; generating an implementation of the interface with concreteparent interfaces to generate a plurality of delegation fields;generating initialization and setting method for the delegation fields;and generating indirectly implemented methods with a body that delegatesfunctionality to one of the delegate fields.

In general, in one aspect, the present invention involves a method ofgenerating an implementation for an interface definition languageinterface (IDL), comprising identifying parents for an interface;computing a set of directly implemented methods for parent interfaces;generating an implementation of the interface with concrete parentinterfaces to generate a plurality of delegation fields; generatinginitialization and setting method for the delegation fields; generatingindirectly implemented methods with a body that delegates functionalityto one of the delegate fields; generating inherited methods and requiredfields to guarded blocks; generating delegation for abstract interfaces;generating a full body implementation. Delegation source code isgenerated, a delegation object attribute is created, and an initializeinheritance tree method is created; and supporting the generation offull delegation code for implementation of the IDL interface that extendthe parent; wherein, the specifics of generation of indirectlyimplemented methods depends on the type of delegation chosen.

In general, in one aspect, the present invention involves a computersystem adapted to generate an implementation for an interface definitionlanguage interface (IDL), comprising a processor; a memory element, andsoftware instructions for enabling the computer under control of theprocessor, to perform identifying parents for an interface; computing aset of directly implemented methods for parent interfaces; generating animplementation of the interface with concrete parent interfaces togenerate a plurality of delegation fields; generating initialization andsetting method for the delegation fields; and generating indirectlyimplemented methods with a body that delegates functionality to one ofthe delegate fields.

In general, in one aspect, the present invention involves a supportmodule for an integrated development environment, comprising an editorcomponent for writing an interface file; and an implementation generatorcomponent that supports the generation of full delegation code forimplementation of the interface that extend the parent.

In general, in one aspect, the present invention involves a system forgenerating an implementation for an interface definition languageinterface (IDL), comprising means for identifying parents for aninterface; means for computing a set of directly implemented methods forparent interfaces; means for generating an implementation of theinterface with concrete parent interfaces to generate a plurality ofdelegation fields; means for generating initialization and settingmethod for the delegation fields; and means for generating indirectlyimplemented methods with a body that delegates functionality to one ofthe delegate fields.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing description and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the transition from monolithic applications tomulti-tiered, modular applications.

FIG. 2 illustrates a method request sent from a client to a CORBA objectimplementation in a server.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of the creation of a distributed objectapplication using CORBA implementation.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing normal single inheritance.

FIG. 5 illustrates a Forte™ for Java™ Integrated Development Environment(IDE).

FIG. 6 illustrates a typical computer and its components.

FIG. 7 illustrates a CORBA support module for an IDE in accordance withone or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a computer screen shot of the Explorer window withinForte™ for Java™ IDE in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a computer screen shot of the Source Editor windowwithin Forte™ for Java™ IDE in accordance with one or more embodimentsof the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating single inheritance throughdelegation in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating more complex example of singleinheritance through delegation in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart for generating an implementation for anIDL interface.

FIG. 13 illustrates a computer screen shot within Forte™ for Java™ IDEin accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates a computer screen shot within Forte™ for Java™ IDEin accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates a computer screen shot within Forte™ for Java™ IDEin accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates a computer screen shot within Forte™ for Java™ IDEin accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described in detailwith reference to the accompanying figures. Like elements in the variousfigures are denoted by like reference numerals for consistency.

The invention described here may be implemented on virtually any typecomputer regardless of the platform being used. For example, as shown inFIG. 6, a typical computer (71) includes a processor (73), an associatedmemory element (75), a storage device (76), and numerous other elementsand functionalities typical to today's computers (not shown). Thecomputer (71) may also include input means, such as a keyboard (77) anda mouse (79), and an output device, such as a monitor (81). Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that these input and output means maytake other forms. Computer (71) is connected via a network connection(83) to the Internet (7).

As discussed above and shown in FIG. 3, development of CORBA objectapplications starts with a developer defining remote interface(s) (Step50) of CORBA server objects using the IDL which is part of the CORBAspecification. Next, the description of interface(s) is compiled usingthe IDL compiler (Step 52) into constructs in a target computerlanguage. Mapping of the IDL constructs into constructs in the targetlanguage is specified by the CORBA specification. In the case of theCORBA implementation written in Java™, these constructs are classes inJava™ and provide all necessary functionality for communicating over theORB. The third and fourth steps in writing the CORBA application iswriting implementation of defined interface(s) for the server (Step 54)and the client (Step 56). Writing the implementation is done in thetarget language and usually extends constructs produced by the IDLcompiler. CORBA implementation written in Java™ requires theimplementation be written with a new class for every interface thatextends or implements some generated class.

Returning to the Forte™ for Java™ IDE, a CORBA support module (110) asshown in FIG. 7 has been created to be used within Forte™ for Java™ orany other IDE to develop, test, and debug any kind of CORBA application.The CORBA support module (110) provides support for writing the IDL filein an editor (112) or generating the IDL file from various templates(114). The IDL file is then compiled using an IDL Compiler (118) intoconstructs in a target computer language, such as classes in Java™. Thesupport module (110) also provides support for editing or generatingclient and server main and implementation classes. Further, the CORBAsupport module (110) includes browsers for interface repository and nameservice (113), a POA support component (115), and a CORBA wizardcomponent (119).

An important part of the CORBA support module (110) of the Forte™ forJava™ IDE is an Implementation Generator (116). After writing the IDLfile, the developer implements all interfaces that are written to theIDL file. The support module (110) assists the developer with this taskthrough the medium of the Implementation Generator (116). Using theImplementation Generator (116), the developer can generate a basicimplementation (i.e., an implementation with empty method body) for allinterfaces from the IDL file. During the generation of theimplementation, customizable options are available of certain setupproperties (e.g., generation of method bodies, etc.).

The Implementation Generator is activated either by selecting the“Generate Implementation” menu item (120) in a standard pop-up menu fromwithin the IDL Node (122) in the Explorer (124) as shown in FIG. 8, orby selecting the Generate Implementation menu item in a standard pop-upmenu in the a source editor (132) as shown in FIG. 9. The result issource code in the source editor within the IDE in Java™ language.

In certain circumstances, the Implementation Generator is required toresolve inheritance issues. The present invention involves a method ofsupporting multiple object inheritance in a language that does notnatively support multiple inheritance, such as Java™. One skilled in theart will appreciate that many object oriented languages do not supportmultiple inheritance. The method implemented in place of inheritance(multiple or single) is delegation of an inherited method into a methodof the parent implementation. In accordance with one or more embodimentsof the present invention, Forte™ for Java™ IDE supports generation offull delegation code for implementation of IDL interface that extendsparent(s).

Single inheritance through delegation in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present invention is shown in FIG. 10. The interfacesare defined in the IDL as interface A (154) and interface B (155). TheForte™ for Java™ IDE implementation generator generates implementationclasses AImpl and BImpl. The implementation code is generated in theform of classes AImpl (150) and BImpl (151). BImpl (151) contains areference to an object of type AImpl (150) and indirectly implementsoperation_A( ) (157) by calling the implementation of operation_A( )(158) in object AImpl (150). Thus, the implementation of operation_A( )(157) is delegated to the object AImpl (150) referenced by object BImpl(151). Operations operation_A (158) in AImpl (150) and operation_B (159)in BImpl (151) are with empty bodies so the developer adds functionalityto these operations. However, operation_A (157) in BImpl (151) has body,which uses delegation to operation_A in instance of Almpl (150) toprovide its functionality.

A more complex case of inheritance through delegation in accordance withone or more embodiments of the present invention is shown in FIG. 11.The interfaces are defined in the IDL as interface A (166), interface B(167), and interface C (168). The Forte™ for Java™ IDE implementationgenerator generates the implementation code in the form of classes AImpl(160), BImpl (161), and CImpl (162). BImpl (161) contains a reference toan object of type AImpl (160) and indirectly implements operation_A( )(170) by calling the implementation of operation_A( ) (171) in objectAImpl (160). Thus, the implementation of operation _A( ) (170) isdelegated to the object AImpl (160) referenced by object BImpl (161).Object CImpl (162) contains a reference to objects of type AImpl (160)and a reference to objects of type BImpl (161). Object CImpl indirectlyimplements operation_B( ) (178) by calling the implementation ofoperation_B( ) in object BImpl (161). Object CImpl (162) indirectlyimplements operation_A( ) (176). If static delegation is used, thenoperation_A( ) (176) is implemented by calling the implementation ofoperation_A( ) (171) in object AImpl (160). If virtual delegation isused, then operation_A( ) (176) is implemented by calling theimplementation of operation_A( ) (170) in object BImpl (161).

The implementation generator generates implementation for IDL interfacewith parent(s) and inheritance using the following method as shown inFIG. 12. First, all parents are identified for an interface (Step 184).Once all parents are identified (Step 185), a set of directlyimplemented methods is computed for all parent interfaces, including theinterface above (Step 186). The delegation fields of types of concreteinterfaces' implementations are then generated into an implementation ofthe interface (Step 187). Next, initialization and settings method aregenerated for the delegation fields (Step 188). Lastly, non-directlyimplemented methods with a body that delegates functionality to one ofthe delegate fields (an instance) are generated (Step 189). Thespecifics of the generation of non-directly implemented methods dependsheavily on the type of delegation chosen.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention,implementation of inheritance support for the implementation generatorcomponent within the CORBA Support Module has three delegation settings,including a none setting, a Static Delegation setting, and a VirtualDelegation setting. The none setting uses a default Forte™ for Java™ IDEimplementation generator. The Static Delegation setting enables methodsto call methods directly on the object that directly implements thedelegated methods. The Virtual Delegation setting enables methods tocall methods on the most derived object that implements the delegatedmethod.

A typical IDL file defining interface A and interface B, which inheritsfrom interface A is shown below.

interface A {  void op ( );  };  interface B : A {  void op2 ( );  };

A typical implementation generated by a developer using Forte™ for Java™IDE implementation generator creates two files (AImpl.java andBImpl.java) is shown below.

/*   * This file was generated from inher1.idl   */ packageidls_local.newFeatures; class AImpl extendsidls_local.newFeatures._AImplBase { public void op( ) { throw newUnsupportedOperationException ( ); } } /*   * This file was generatedfrom inher1.idl   */ package idls_local.newFeatures; class BImpl extendsidls_local.newFeatures._BImplBase { public void op( ) { throw newUnsupportedOperationException ( ); } public void op2( ) { throw newUnsupportedOperationException ( ); } }

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention,full bodies are generated for inherited methods where the methods aredelegated to embedded implementation of a parent interface. When thetypical IDL file defining interface A and interface B above is generatedwith the implementation generator using delegation, a class AImpl isgenerated as source code (180) in a source editor as shown in FIG. 13and a class BImpl is generated as source code (182) in a source editoras shown in FIG. 14.

To help preserve integrity, inherited (delegated) methods and requiredfields may be generated to the guarded blocks so the developer is notable to change the method or required fields. Once the guarded blocksare implemented, the only way to change the source code is to makechanges to the IDL file.

A “fall body implementation” requires generation of delegation sourcecode, creation of a delegated object attribute, and creating of an_initialize_inheritance_tree method. For delegation of certain classes,an initialized instance field(s) of the type of a parent(s)implementation(s) is needed. The instance fields are generated in acertain implementation for all parents even for parents of parent, e.g.,three interfaces A, B, and C where B inherits from A and C inherits fromB. In the implementation of C (in class CImpl) a field of type BImpl(implementation for interface B) and a field of type AImpl(implementation for interface A) are generated.

To properly initialize these delegation fields a particular method isgenerated. This method is usually named “_initialize_inheritance_tree”and is responsible for proper initialization of delegation fields. Themethod uses a setter method for setting the parent's instances for thecertain implementation.

Next, the initialization method is called from a constructor and adefault constructor is generated with a full method body resulting inthe implementation of the IDL file shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.

After generating all the helper methods and fields, delegation methodswith full body can be generated where these methods call methods of thesame name on the certain parent instance.

IDL Abstract Interfaces are intended for situations where, at compiletime, it is unknown whether an object will be passed by reference or byvalue. Interfaces that inherit from an abstract parent are unable toembed implementation of the abstract interface. Therefore, theimplementation is unable to have full method bodies (i.e., only emptybodies are possible) making generation of delegation for abstractinterfaces more complex.

The following IDL file example will assist explaining the method ofgenerating delegation for abstract interfaces:

// // abstract_interface.idl // // Created on Nov. 20, 2000, 10:49 AM //by kgardas // abstract interface Printable { void print ( ); };interface HelloWorld : Printable { attribute string msg; //string msg (); }; interface Demo : HelloWorld { void run ( ); }; interface XX : Demo{ };

The implementation generator delegates a method print to the concrete(non-abstract) interfaces. The possible delegations are none, static andvirtual. None delegation causes nothing dramatic to happen. Thegenerator generates empty methods print for all implementations for allconcrete interfaces. In case of other delegation types theimplementation of interface HelloWorld directly implements operationprint from its parent Printable, so the developer has to writeimplementation for this operation. The implementation of interface Demodelegates operation print into implementation of its parent HelloWorld.Only generation of implementation of interface XX differs for static andvirtual delegation. In case of static delegation, implementation ofinterface XX delegates its operation print into the implementation whichdirectly implements this operation. This is the implementation ofinterface HelloWorld. In case of virtual delegation, implementation ofinterface XX delegates its operation print into the implementation ofthe most derivated parent. This is the implementation of interface Demo.

In case that an interface directly inherits from an abstract interface,the implementation class of this interface generated by theImplementation Generator has methods defined by the abstract interfacegenerated with empty bodies. For instance, as the interface Demoinherits from Printable twice (directly and indirectly via HelloWorldinterface), the method “print” generated to the implementation ofinterface Demo has an empty body.

// // abstract_interface.idl // // Created on Nov. 20, 2000, 10:49 AM //by kgardas // abstract interface Printable { void print ( ); };interface HelloWorld : Printable { attribute string msg; //string msg () }; interface Demo : HelloWorld, Printable { void run ( ); }; interfaceXX : Demo { };

Properties of the CORBA Support Settings and some additional propertiesof the expert properties of these settings have been added. The two mainadded properties are for defining delegation type and defining guardedblocks usage. FIG. 15 shows a dialog box containing various projectsettings with the properties tab (200) showing interface generationoptions. Specifically, the Delegation Type option (190) may be selectedby using a standard drop down box (192) that lists the available optionsof None (194), Static (196), and Virtual (198). The currently selectedoption is highlighted (196) and displayed in the drop down box (192).FIG. 16 shows a dialog box containing various project settings with theexpert tab (218) showing expert interface generation options. The UseGuarded Blocks option (210) may be selected by using a drop down box(212), which lists the available options of True (214) and False (216).The currently selected option is highlighted (214) and displayed in thedrop down box (212).

Advantages of the present invention may include one or more of thefollowing. The delegation of inherited methods into the method of aparent implementation is supported. Full delegation code forimplementation of IDL interface can be generated. Those skilled in theart will appreciate that the present invention may include otheradvantages and features.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited numberof embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of thisdisclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments can be devised whichdo not depart from the scope of the invention as disclosed herein.Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by theattached claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of generating an implementation for aninterface definition language interface (IDL), comprising: identifyingparents for an interface; computing a set of directly implementedmethods for all parent interfaces; generating an implementation of theinterface with concrete parent interfaces to generate a plurality ofdelegation fields; generating initialization and setting methods for theplurality of delegation fields; generating indirectly implementedmethods with a body that delegates functionality to one of thedelegation fields; generating inherited methods and required fields toguarded blocks; generating delegation source code for an abstractinterface; generating a full body implementation, wherein the delegationsource code is generated, a delegation object attribute is created, andan initialize inheritance tree method is created; and supporting thegeneration of the delegation source code for implementation of the IDLinterface that extends all the parent interfaces using an implementationgenerator; wherein the specifics of generation of the indirectlyimplemented methods depends on the type of delegation chosen; whereinthe IDL interface is written using an editor component; and wherein theimplementation generator supports a none delegation setting, a staticdelegation setting, and a virtual delegation setting.
 2. A computersystem adapted to generate an implementation for an interface definitionlanguage interface (IDL), comprising: a processor; a memory element, andsoftware instructions for enabling the computer under control of theprocessor, to perform: identifying parents for an interface; computing aset of directly implemented methods for all parent interfaces;generating an implementation of the interface with concrete parentinterfaces to generate a plurality of delegation fields; generatinginitialization and setting method for the delegation fields; generatingindirectly implemented methods with a body that delegates functionalityto one of the delegation fields; generating inherited methods andrequired fields to guarded blocks; generating delegation source code foran abstract interface; generating a full body implementation, whereinthe delegation source code is generated, a delegation object attributeis created, and an initialize inheritance tree method is created; andsupporting the generation of full delegation source code forimplementation of the IDL interface that extends the parents interfaceusing an implementation generator; wherein the specifics of generationof indirectly implemented methods depends on the type of delegationchosen; wherein the IDL interface is written using an editor component;and wherein the implementation generator supports a none delegationsetting, a static delegation setting, and a virtual delegation setting.